This is the amazing Lockheed Martin SR-72—the space Blackbird

I'm going to say that this thing is already flying, and probably has been for awhile. And I'm not buying their explanation of the propulsion technology. The Aurora Project comes to mind, and those strange contrails that have been sighted in the past.

reply to post by IamAbeliever


Donuts on a rope contrails have been seen behind 747s, and other aircraft. The problem with a PDW engine is that, unless it's a small fairly light platform, they top out around Mach 4 or so.

reply to post by Zaphod58


Is it because of the type of fuel that specific tanker carries?

reply to post by MystikMushroom


But why is it special?

reply to post by Zaphod58


Well, it has two tanks and it was the only plane capable of refueling the SR-71. I *think* the Blackbird required two kinds of fuel, one to get off the ground and another for operations.

reply to post by MystikMushroom


No, it only required one.

But what was so special about the fuel.

reply to post by Zaphod58


Thank you for that explanation. Your knowledge on the subject is one I've come to respect in my time here on ATS. Thank you again.

reply to post by Zaphod58


I thought it was just JP-7, which is really hard to ignite. I guess they used some kind of easier to ignite fuel to "kickstart" the engines so to speak...

Zaphod58
reply to post by IamAbeliever

 

Donuts on a rope contrails have been seen behind 747s, and other aircraft. The problem with a PDW engine is that, unless it's a small fairly light platform, they top out around Mach 4 or so.

Sorry I know this doesn't do much for the thread. But I agree with you there Zaph, before I joined ats I wondered the net for new and fancy aircraft which was I heard the whole story about the TR-3b (from which i gather isn't real) using new pulse type engines. Things I read about the donuts on the rope contrail was that this was the trail left by the secret aircraft. I didn't believe it as I'd always seen these contrails before. And as you mentioned I spotted a 747 flying over head, have it a little while and the contrail turned into a donuts on the string contrail.

I even emailed who ever it was who claimed these trails were secret aircraft, in my email I pretty much wrote about what I saw with the 747. Let's just say the person never mailed me back

reply to post by MystikMushroom


No, they used a Cadillac V-8, and a chemical known as TEB (triethylborane) to start it.

The JP-7 was used in the SR-71 both because of the high flash point, as well as being something of a heat sink during flight.

Which says a lot about anything that requires a T model for fuel.

reply to post by Zaphod58


Let Me imagine the T model is it for a new type flying beyond supersonic , with a picture of a little Skunk on his tail ? "

reply to post by darksidius


Who said it was just one type?

reply to post by Zaphod58


So I lose , I have no idea

reply to post by darksidius


I don't have all the details on them. But at least one would surprise you.

reply to post by Zaphod58


Im impatient , more of one type ? surely something very inovative to create the surprise

reply to post by darksidius


I'm not allowed to say much, since they aren't even hinted at yet.

reply to post by Zaphod58


I understand

reply to post by Zaphod58


Can they refuel unmanned jets yet?

I imagine this is the spin off of the darkstar that was flying out of Edwards a few years ago?

reply to post by Zaphod58


So we have something(s) that fly high and fast that burn JP-7 and require a KC-135T. I seam to remember Boomer and us talking about this before. How many T models are in service again?
Does the KC-46 have the same duel tank variants?

If LM has a fast mover or two I'd imagine Boeing does too....maybe there like mad bees over every hot spot on the planet.

reply to post by Stealthbomber


I'm pretty sure they can. They tested drone to drone refueling and I think I remember Boomer talk about drones flying in holding pattern tests behind his KC-135 back when he was in service. Doesn't the X47B have a refueling probe?